Check valves

ABSTRACT

A check valve includes an upper housing having an inlet of the check valve, a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of the check valve, a valve portion cooperatively formed by the upper and lower housings, a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, a first filter included in the upper housing to limit passage of undesirable matter in fluid flowing through the check valve, a second filter included in the lower housing to limit passage of undesirable matter in fluid flowing through the check valve, each of the first filter and the second filter including a plurality of vertical structures disposed in the valve portion and extending axially and radially in the valve portion, and a valve member positioned in the valve portion to selectively permit fluid to flow through the check valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/952,074, filed Apr. 12, 2018, which is incorporated herein by thisspecific reference.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments disclosed are related to check valves, and more particularlyto check valves having filtering mechanisms for filtering particulatematter in fluid flowing through the check valve.

Description of Related Art

Patients are commonly injected with IV solutions that are initiallyprovided in an IV reservoir (a bottle or bag) and dripped into the veinof the patient through an IV line. Typically, an injection port isprovided along the IV line and adapted to function with a syringe topermit an injectate to be added to the IV solution. A check valve isalso commonly included in the IV line to permit fluid flow only in thedirection of the patient. This ensures that the injectate flowsdownstream toward the patient, not upstream toward the IV reservoir.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valve including anupper housing having an inlet of the check valve; a lower housing havingan outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper andlower housings; a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet; afirst filter in the upper housing to limit passage of undesirable matterin fluid flowing through the check valve, the first filter extendingaxially and radially in the valve portion; and a valve member arrangedin the valve portion to selectively permit fluid to flow through thecheck valve.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valveincluding an upper housing having an inlet of the check valve; a lowerhousing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of thecheck valve; a valve portion cooperatively formed by the upper and lowerhousings; a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet; a firstfilter included in the upper housing to limit passage of undesirablematter in fluid flowing through the check valve; a second filterincluded in the lower housing to limit passage of undesirable matter influid flowing through the check valve, each of the first filter and thesecond filter including a plurality of vertical structures disposed inthe valve portion and extending axially and radially in the valveportion; and a valve member positioned in the valve portion toselectively permit fluid to flow through the check valve.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valveincluding an upper housing having an inlet of the check valve; a lowerhousing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of thecheck valve; a valve portion cooperatively formed by the upper and lowerhousings; a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet; and avalve member arranged in the valve portion to selectively permit fluidto flow through the check valve. The upper housing defines an opening influid communication with the valve portion, and the valve member iselongated and has a first end coupled to the lower housing and the upperhousing, and a second opposite end occluding the opening.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valveincluding an upper housing having an inlet of the check valve; a lowerhousing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of thecheck valve; a valve portion formed by the upper and lower housings; apassageway extending between the inlet and outlet; and a valve memberarranged in the valve portion to selectively permit fluid to flowthrough the check valve. The lower housing includes a pluralityprojections extending of axially and radially from an internal surfaceof the lower housing in the valve portion, a flow channel is definedbetween adjacent projections, the flow channel being in fluidcommunication with the passageway and the valve portion, and the upperhousing and the lower housing co-operatively define an internal cavityin the valve portion, and a radially outermost portion of the internalcavity defines a lodging space configured to retain undesirable matterin fluid.

Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be setforth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology.The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attainedby the structure particularly pointed out in the written description andembodiments hereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the subject technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of theembodiments, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. Thesubject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications,alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as willoccur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a check valve, in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates the valve portion of the check valve of FIG. 1A ingreater detail.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion of another checkvalve, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the valve portion ofanother check valve, in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the lower housing of the check valve inFIGS. 3A and 3B illustrating the projections and flow channels of inrelatively greater detail.

FIGS. 3D and 3E are cross-sectional views of the valve portion of thecheck valve of FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrating a lodging area of the checkvalve, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below describes variousconfigurations of the subject technology and is not intended torepresent the only configurations in which the subject technology may bepracticed. The detailed description includes specific details for thepurpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology.Accordingly, dimensions may be provided in regard to certain aspects asnon-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that the subject technology may be practiced without thesespecific details. In some instances, well-known structures andcomponents are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuringthe concepts of the subject technology.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes examples ofthe subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appendedclaims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosedaccording to particular but non-limiting examples. Various embodimentsdescribed in the present disclosure may be carried out in different waysand variations, and in accordance with a desired application orimplementation.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a check valve 100, in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure. Herein, the cross-sectional viewof the check valve 100 in FIG. 1A is rotated about its axis to moreclearly illustrate some of the features of the check valve 100.Referring to FIG. 1A, the check valve 100 includes an axially extendingbody 101 defining a longitudinal axis X. The body 101 may be a generallycylindrical (or tubular) structure and may include an upper housing 102and a lower housing 104. The upper housing 102 may include a first end112 and an axially opposite second end 114. As illustrated, a radialextent of the upper housing 102 at the second end 114 may be greaterthan the radial extent thereof at the first end 112. The lower housing104 may include a first end 122 and an axially opposite second end 124.Similar to the upper housing 102, a radial extent of the lower housing104 at the second end 124 may be greater than the radial extent thereofat the first end 122. The respective second ends 114 and 124 of theupper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 axially contact each otherto co-operatively form a valve portion 106 of the check valve 100.

The upper housing 102 may include an inlet 108 of the check valve 100 atthe first end 112 and the lower housing 104 may include an outlet 110 ofthe check valve 100 at the first end 122. The upper housing 102 mayinclude a flange 137 at an axial end thereof opposite the inlet 108 andthe lower housing 104 may include a flange 139 at an axial end thereofopposite the outlet 110. The flanges 137 and 139 may co-operativelydefine the valve portion 106. The body 101 may define an internalpassageway 103 axially extending between the inlet 108 and the outlet110 and in fluid communication therewith. As is understood, the checkvalve 100 may permit fluid to flow (indicated by arrow A) from the inlet108 to the outlet 110, and minimize, or otherwise limit, fluid flow fromthe outlet 110 to the inlet 108.

The valve portion 106 may define an internal cavity (or chamber) 121 anda flat pliable valve member 111 may be disposed in the cavity 121. Morespecifically, the cavity 121 may be at least partially defined by aninternal vertical surface 151 of the flange 139. Alternatively, in otherembodiments, the cavity 121 may be at least partially defined by aninternal vertical surface 153 of the flange 137. In still otherembodiments, the cavity 121 may be at least partially defined by theinternal vertical surfaces 151 and 153. The valve member 111 may be adisk, plate, a diaphragm or similar, and may be square, rectangular,circular, elliptical, oblong, and the like. The shape and size of thevalve member 111 is not limited to any particular shape or size. Thevalve member 111 may have any size and shape that may permit the valvemember 111 to flex or bend under fluid pressure and permit forward flowof the fluid (from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110) through the valve100, and occlude reverse flow of the fluid (from the outlet 110 to theinlet 108) through the valve 100.

The valve member 111 may be supported on a pedestal (or post) 115 of thelower housing 104 and may be spaced from the lower housing 104 by a gap109. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the pedestal 115 may be coupled to theinternal sidewall 105 of the lower housing 104 and extend into thecavity 121. As discussed below, the cavity 121 may form a part of thepassageway 103 and therefore, fluid flowing from the inlet 108 to theoutlet 110 may flow via the cavity 121.

At the second end 114, the upper housing 102 may include a filter 116arranged in the passageway 103. In an example and as illustrated, thefilter 116 may include an array of vertical structures 117 coupled tothe internal sidewall 107 of the passageway 103 and arranged about thepassageway 103 at the second end 114. In an example and as illustrated,the array of vertical structures 117 may be or include an array of finsand adjacent vertical structures 117 may be spaced about 0.010 inchesapart. However, the spacing between the vertical structures 117 is notlimited thereto and may be increased or decreased as required byapplication and design. The vertical structures 117 may filter grit, orother undesirable particulate matter from the fluid flowing through thecheck valve 100 from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110. The verticalstructures 117 may be disposed in the passageway 103 and the cavity 121and may extend axially and radially in the passageway 103 and the cavity121. In an example, the vertical structures 117 may protrude axially acertain distance into the cavity 121 from the internal sidewall 107 andextend a certain distance radially (inward and outward) in the cavity121.

Another filter 126 may be arranged about the passageway 103 in the lowerhousing 104 at the second end 124. In an example and as illustrated, thefilter 126 may also include an array of vertical structures 127extending axially and radially and coupled to the internal sidewall 105.The vertical structures 127 may extend axially and radially a certaindistance from the internal sidewall 105 and into the cavity 121. In anexample, adjacent vertical structures 127 may be spaced about 0.010inches apart. However, the spacing between the vertical structures 127is not limited thereto. The vertical structures 127 may filter grit orother undesirable particulate matter from the fluid flowing from thecavity 121 into the passageway 103 (and flow channels 146, see below).As illustrated, the pedestal 115 may be positioned centrally in thearray of vertical structures 127.

FIG. 1B illustrates the valve portion 106 in greater detail. The cavity121 may be at least partially defined by an internal surface 131 of theupper housing 102 that extends radially outward from the internalsidewall 107. The internal surface 131 may include a projection 132 thatmay extend into the cavity 121 from the internal surface 131 and may bedisposed around the vertical structures 117 in a circular manner. In anexample, the projection 132 may define a sealing surface 134 at a distalend thereof. The projection 132 and therefore the sealing surface 134may be disposed like a ring around the vertical structures 117. Duringoperation, the valve member 111 may contact the sealing surface 134 tominimize or limit the fluid flow in the reverse direction, from theoutlet 110 to the inlet 108.

As illustrated, the projection 132 may be formed by an upstream sidewall142 and a downstream sidewall 144. The upstream sidewall 142 may definean angle φ1 with respect to the longitudinal axis X and the downstreamsidewall 144 may define an angle φ2 with respect to the longitudinalaxis X. The angle φ1 may be less than angle φ2. Stated otherwise, theupstream sidewall 142 may be more vertically disposed (less slope) thanthe downstream sidewall 144. As a result, the fluid, the upstreamsidewall 142 may cause the fluid to swirl (a flow eddy is generated)when it contacts the upstream sidewall 142 while flowing from the inlet108 to the outlet 110. The swirling of the fluid may divert grit andsimilar undesirable particulate matter that passes through the verticalstructures 117 up and away from the sealing surface 134 and the grit maybe lodged or otherwise trapped in the recess 147.

A plurality of channels 146 (one shown) may be included in the lowerhousing 104 between the internal sidewall 105 and the pedestal 115. Inexample, 3 channels 146 may be included in the lower housing 104.However, the number of channels 146 is not limited thereto and may beincreased or decreased as required by application and design.

During assembly, the valve member 111 may be positioned on the pedestal115 and the upper housing 102 may be lowered onto the lower housing 104.The sealing surface 134 may contact the valve member 111 adjacent theouter edge thereof. This may cause the valve member 111 to bend at theouter edges and create a normally-closed state of the check valve 100.In the assembled state, a gap 133 smaller than the spacing between thevertical structures 117 may be defined between the vertical structures117 and upper surface of the valve member 111. This gap 133 permits thefluid to flow while limiting the size of grit or other undesirableparticulate matter that passes downstream.

During operation, fluid may enter the check valve 100 via the inlet 108,flow through the passageway 103, past the vertical structures 117, andinto the cavity 121. Any grit or other undesirable particulate matterlarger in size than the spacing between the vertical structures 117 maybe prevented from passing downstream. Also, fluid may flow between thevertical structures 117 and the upper surface of the valve member 111and the gap therebetween may further prevent grit from flowingdownstream. As mentioned above, the fluid flow may cause swirling of thefluid when the flow contacts the upstream sidewall 142 and any grit thatis not filtered by the gap may be trapped in the recess 147. Duringnormal forward flow operation, fluid flows through a gap formed betweenthe sealing surface 134 and the upper surface of the valve member 111due to the bending of the valve member 111. The fluid may then flowthrough the gap 109, the vertical structures 127, the one or morechannels 146, into the passageway 103 in the lower housing 104, and exitthe check valve 100 via the outlet 110. Because in the normally-closedstate of the check valve 100, the disk 11 contacts the sealing surface134, fluid flow from the outlet 110 to the inlet 108 is limited. In theevent that fluid flows in the reverse direction from the outlet 110 tothe inlet 108, the vertical structures 127 may prevent grit or otherundesirable particulate matter from flowing into the cavity 121.

In another embodiment, the gap between adjacent vertical structures 117(and 127, similarly) may be absent. Accordingly, instead of the array ofvertical structures 117, the check valve 100 may include a circular lipor protrusion at the second end 114, wherein a gap is defined betweenthe circular lip and the upper surface of the valve member 111. The gapmay function as a filter to prevent grit from flowing into the cavity121.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion 106 of a checkvalve 200, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Thecheck valve 200 may be similar in some respects to the check valve 100in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and therefore may be best understood with referencethereto where like numerals designate like components not describedagain in detail.

As illustrated, the internal surface 131 of the upper housing 102 maydefine an opening 152 that is in fluid communication with the passageway103 of the upper housing 102. In an example and as illustrated, a size(e.g., a radial extent) of the opening 152 may be smaller than the sizeof the passageway 103. The cavity 121 may be at least partially definedby an angled internal surface 141 of the lower housing 104 that extendsradially outward from the internal sidewall 105. Thus, as illustrated,the internal surface 131 may form the top (or roof) of the cavity 121while the internal surface 141 may form the bottom (or floor) of thecavity 121. The lower housing 104 may include a projection 155 thatextend axially from the internal surface 141 towards the inlet 108 (FIG.1A). The top surface 157 of the projection 155 may be curved andrelatively flat. One or more (one shown) protrusions 159 may be disposedon the top surface 157 and extending axially in the direction of theinlet 108. The protrusions 159 may be used to align a valve member 161(see below) and limit movement thereof. In an example, the valve membermay be plate (or a diaphragm or similar) having an oblong shape (e.g.,having semicircular ends connected by parallel longitudinal edges.). Theplate may be flexible or pliable such that the plate selectivelyoccludes fluid flow in the check valve 200. In an example, theprotrusions 159 may be shaped as spikes. However, the protrusions 159may have other shapes such as studs or any other shape that may limitmovement of the valve member 161.

A valve member 161 may be positioned on the internal surface 141. Indetail, and as illustrated, the valve member 161 may have a curvaturethat may correspond to the curvature of the internal surface 131. Thelower surface of the valve member 161 may include holes, recesses, orsimilar (not illustrated) at or adjacent at a stationary end 171 of thevalve member 161 for receiving the protrusions 159 therein.

In an assembled state, the valve member 161 may be positioned on the topsurface 157 such that the protrusions 159 are received into the holes inthe lower surface of the disk and the upper housing 102 contacts a topsurface 163 of the valve member 161. The protrusions 159 ensure that thevalve member 161 is retained between the upper housing 102 and the lowerhousing 104. The valve member 161 may extend in the cavity 121 whilecontacting the internal surface 131. In the normally-closed state of thecheck valve 200, the valve member 161 may cover the opening 152 andoverlie the passageway 103 in the lower housing 104. Because the valvemember 161 covers the opening 152, flow of fluid in the reversedirection, from the outlet 110 to the inlet 108, is limited.

Although discussed as being oblong, the shape and size of the valvemember 161 is not limited to any particular shape or size. The valvemember 161 may be sized and shaped such that the valve member 161 mayflex or bend under fluid pressure to permit forward flow (from the inlet108 to the outlet 110) of the fluid into the cavity 121 via the opening152, cover the opening 152 to limit fluid flow in the reverse direction,and overlie the passageway 103 in the lower housing 104.

During operation, fluid may enter the check valve 200 from the inlet108. The fluid pressure may cause the valve member 161 to bend downwards(towards the outlet 110) and a gap may be created between the internalsurface 131 and the valve member 161 (more specifically, the top surface163 of the valve member 161). Fluid may flow via the gap into the cavity121. The cavity 121 may be in fluid communication with the passageway103 in the lower housing 104 and the fluid may then exit the check valve200 through the outlet 110.

Because the valve member 161 is attached to the lower housing 104 at thestationary end 171, the valve member 161 may exhibit a “springboard”type action, wherein the mobile end 173 of the valve member 161diametrically opposite the coupled end bends in response to fluid flow(and pressure). Furthermore, because the top surface 163 of the valvemember 161 contacts the internal surface 131 of the upper housing 102during the normally-closed state of the check valve 200, fluid flow inthe reverse direction is limited.

In a typical operation, the valve member 161 may bend to create the gapfor fluid to flow. More specifically, a flow channel 164 may be definedin the internal surface 141 below the opening 152 and adjacent themobile end 173 of the valve member 161. The flow channel 164 may “pull”the valve member 161 to open via vacuum pressure as the valve member 161approaches the floor of the cavity 121. In the event the valve member161 contacts the floor of the cavity 121, the flow channel 164 maymaintain fluid flow through the check valve 200. In an example and asillustrated, the flow channel 164 may be a recess defined in theinternal surface 141.

In an embodiment, the check valve 200 may include the filter 126arranged about the opening 152. For instance, referring to FIG. 1B, thearray of vertical structures 127 may be arranged about the opening 152to filter grit or other undesirable particulate matter and limit thepassage thereof into the cavity 121. In another embodiment, anotherfilter (for example, a filter similar to filters 126 or 116) may bearranged in the cavity 121 to filter grit or other undesirableparticulate matter present in the cavity 121.

As is known, check valves are normally closed devices and permit fluidflow in a forward direction (from the inlet to the outlet) and limitfluid flow in the reverse direction (from the outlet to the inlet).During low flow conditions, the fluid flow (or pressure) may not besufficient to open the valve (e.g., deflect the valve members 111 and161) such that grit (or other undesirable particulate matter) may passthrough the gap. In such conditions, the grit may get lodged in the gapand the valve may not completely close when the fluid flow (morespecifically, the forward fluid flow) stops. This causes the check valveto “weep”, wherein fluid flows through the valve in the reversedirection making the check valve ineffective.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the valve portion 106 of acheck valve 300, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 3A illustrates the check valve 300 in the closed position, whereinthe check valve 300 limits (minimizes) fluid flow in the reversedirections, and FIG. 3B illustrates the check valve 300 in the openposition, wherein the check valve 300 permits fluid flow in the forwarddirection.

The check valve 300 may be similar in some respects to the check valves100 and 200 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, and therefore may be best understoodwith reference thereto where like numerals designate like components notdescribed again in detail. For the sake of illustration, the valveportion 106 has been illustrated as inverted.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the angled internal surface 141 of thelower housing 104 includes a plurality of projections 182 arranged aboutthe pedestal 115. The projections 182 extend axially and radially aroundthe pedestal 115, which may be located centrally with respect to thepassageway 103 in the lower housing 104. Each projection 182 has acurved top surface 183 that is relatively flat and tapers in a radiallyoutward direction. The curvature of the top surface 183 may match thecurvature of the valve member 111 when the valve member 111 bends whenthe check valve 300 is open (See FIG. 3B). Flow channels 186 are formedbetween adjacent projections 182 and fluid may flow through the flowchannels 186 when the check valve 300 is open.

In the closed state illustrated in FIG. 3A, the valve member 111 restson the projection 132 that may extend into the cavity 121 from theinternal surface 131. In more detail, the projection 132 may define asealing surface 134 at a distal end thereof and the valve member 111 mayrest on the sealing surface 134. The projection 132 (and therefore thesealing surface 134) may be disposed in a circular manner about thepassageway 103. As illustrated, the projection 132 may be formed by avertical upstream sidewall 142 and an angled downstream sidewall 144. Inthe open state illustrated in FIG. 3B, the fluid flow (indicated byarrow A) may cause the valve member 111 to bend about the pedestal 115and contact the top surface 183 of the projections 182. A gap 113 may becreated when the valve member 111 bends and the gap may be wide enoughfor grit to pass into a lodging space 187 (see below)

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the lower housing 104 illustrating theprojections 182 and flow channels 186 in relatively greater detail.

Referring to FIGS. 3D and 3E, a lodging space 187 may be definedco-operatively by the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104. Thelodging space 187 may be located radially outward of the projection 132,and may be or include the radially outermost portion of the cavity 121(FIG. 3A). The lodging space 187 may be at least partially bounded bythe angled internal surface 141 and the downstream sidewall 144, and theinternal vertical surfaces 151 and 153. In the open state, grit (orother undesirable particulate matter) 191 may be lodged (or temporarilyretained) in the lodging space 187. This is because a relatively greaterpressure drop is generated between the flow channels 186 and the outlet110 which causes the valve member 111 to deflect to a maximum position,wherein the disk surface contacts the top surfaces 183 of theprojections 182. The gap 113 (FIG. 3B) between the valve member 111 andthe sealing surface 134 is greater than the size of the grit 191 andthis may prevent the grit 191 from becoming lodged at the sealingsurface 134. If grit 191 becomes lodged, it would be caught only duringforward flow condition and would be caught at the entry of the flowchannels 186, as illustrated in FIG. 3D. When the forward flow stops andthe check valve 300 starts to close (e.g., the valve member 111 movestowards the sealing surface 134), the grit 191 may become dislodged andflow downstream via the flow channels 186. A benefit of this design isthat the fluid flow through the check valve 300 is not impeded due tothe presence of grit 191 during low flow conditions. Another benefit isthat the grit 191 may not be trapped in the gap between the valve member111 and the projections 182 and “weeping” may be limited.

In an embodiment, the check valve 300 may include the filter 116arranged in the passageway 103 in the upper housing 102. For instance,referring to FIG. 1B, the array of vertical structures 117 may bearranged in the passageway 103 to filter grit or other undesirableparticulate matter and limit the passage thereof into the cavity 121.

Illustration of Subject Technology as Clauses

Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described as numberedclauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples,and do not limit the subject technology. Identifications of the figuresand reference numbers are provided below merely as examples and forillustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by thoseidentifications.

Clause 1. A check valve, including: an upper housing having an inlet ofthe check valve; a lower housing having an outlet of the check valve; avalve portion formed by the upper and lower housings, wherein the valveportion defines an internal cavity; a passageway extending between theinlet and outlet; a valve member arranged in the valve portion toselectively permit fluid to flow through the check valve; a pedestalcoupled to an internal sidewall of the lower housing, wherein thepedestal extends into the internal cavity and the pedestal supports thevalve member; and at least one channel defined between the internalsidewall and the pedestal, wherein the at least one channel is in fluidcommunication with the passageway.

Clause 2. The check valve of clause 1, further including: a first filterin the upper housing to limit passage of undesirable matter in fluidflowing through the check valve, the first filter extending axially andradially in the valve portion.

Clause 3. The check valve of clause 2, further including: a secondfilter arranged in the passageway to limit passage of undesirable matterin fluid flowing through the check valve, wherein the first filter andthe second filter are arranged axially opposite each other in thepassageway and including the valve member therebetween.

Clause 4. The check valve of clause 3, wherein the second filterincludes an array of vertical structures arranged about the passagewayand extending axially and radially in the valve portion, the secondfilter configured to limit passage of undesirable matter in the fluid.

Clause 5. The check valve of clause 1, wherein the upper housingincludes a projection disposed in a circular manner about the passagewayin the valve portion, a sealing surface is defined at a distal end ofthe projection, and a gap is defined between the sealing surface and thevalve member, the gap limiting passage of undesirable matter.

Clause 6. The check valve of clause 5, wherein the projection includesan upstream sidewall and downstream sidewall, wherein a slope of theupstream sidewall is less than a slope of the downstream sidewall.

Clause 7. The check valve of clause 1, wherein the upper housing definesan opening in fluid communication with the valve portion, and the valvemember includes a first end coupled to the lower housing and the upperhousing, and a second end opposite the first end and occluding theopening.

Clause 8. The check valve of clause 7, wherein the first end isstationary.

Clause 9. The check valve of clause 7, wherein the lower housing definesa flow channel in fluid communication with the passageway and the valveportion.

Clause 10. The check valve of clause 7, wherein a first filter isarranged about the opening.

Clause 11. The check valve of clause 1, wherein the lower housingincludes a plurality of axially and radially extending projections inthe valve portion, and a flow channel is defined between adjacentprojections, the flow channel being in fluid communication with thepassageway and the valve portion.

Clause 12. The check valve of clause 11, wherein the upper housing andthe lower housing co-operatively define an internal cavity in the valveportion, and a radially outermost portion of the internal cavity definesa lodging space, the lodging space being radially adjacent theprojections and configured to retain undesirable matter in fluid.

Clause 13. The check valve of clause 11, wherein the plurality ofaxially and radially extending projections are arranged about thepassageway.

Clause 14. A check valve, including: an upper housing having an inlet ofthe check valve; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housingand having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion cooperativelyformed by the upper and lower housings, wherein the valve portiondefines an internal cavity; a passageway extending between the inlet andoutlet; a valve member positioned in the valve portion to selectivelypermit fluid to flow through the check valve; a pedestal coupled to aninternal sidewall of the lower housing, wherein the pedestal extendsinto the internal cavity and the pedestal supports the valve member; anda plurality of channels defined between the internal sidewall and thepedestal, wherein the plurality of channels is in fluid communicationwith the passageway.

Clause 15. The check valve of clause 14, wherein an internal surface ofthe upper housing in the valve portion includes an axially extendingprojection disposed in a circular manner about the passageway in thevalve portion, and a sealing surface is defined at a distal end of theprojection, wherein the valve member is configured to contact thesealing surface to limit fluid flow across the sealing surface.

Clause 16. The check valve of clause 14, further including: a firstfilter included in the upper housing to limit passage of undesirablematter in fluid flowing through the check valve.

Clause 17. The check valve of clause 16, further including: a secondfilter included in the lower housing to limit passage of undesirablematter in fluid flowing through the check valve.

Clause 18. A check valve, including: an upper housing having an inlet ofthe check valve; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housingand having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion cooperativelyformed by the upper and lower housings; a passageway extending betweenthe inlet and outlet, wherein the valve portion defines an internalcavity; a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectivelypermit fluid to flow through the check valve, wherein the upper housingdefines an opening in fluid communication with the valve portion,wherein the valve member is elongated and has a first end coupled to thelower housing and the upper housing, and a second opposite end occludingthe opening; a pedestal coupled to an internal sidewall of the lowerhousing, wherein the pedestal extends into the internal cavity and thepedestal supports the valve member; and at least one channel definedbetween the internal sidewall and the pedestal, wherein the at least onechannel is in fluid communication with the passageway.

Clause 19. The check valve of clause 18, wherein an internal surface ofthe lower housing in the valve portion defines a flow passage in fluidcommunication with the valve portion and the passageway.

Clause 20. The check valve of clause 18, further including: a filterarranged about the opening, the filter including a plurality of verticalstructures at least partially disposed in the passageway.

Further Considerations

In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein may depend from any oneof the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In oneaspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) maybe combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent orindependent clauses). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all ofthe words (e.g., steps, operations, means or components) recited in aclause, a sentence, a phrase or a paragraph. In one aspect, a claim mayinclude some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses,sentences, phrases or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words ineach of the clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs may be removed. Inone aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, asentence, a phrase or a paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technologymay be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements,functions or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subjecttechnology may be implemented utilizing additional components, elements,functions or operations.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various configurations described herein. While thesubject technology has been particularly described with reference to thevarious figures and configurations, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these configurations willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, manychanges and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope ofthe subject technology.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Basedupon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the stepsmay be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series ofitems, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items,modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e.,each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection ofat least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaningthat includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least oneof any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of theitems. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or“at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C;any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, andC.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like as used inthis disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frameof reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame ofreference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and arear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, orhorizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

In one or more aspects, the terms “about,” “substantially,” and“approximately” may provide an industry-accepted tolerance for theircorresponding terms and/or relativity between items.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.”Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neutergender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. The term “some” refers to oneor more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are usedfor convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are notreferred to in connection with the interpretation of the description ofthe subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to theelements of the various configurations described throughout thisdisclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference andintended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothingdisclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

Although the detailed description contains many specifics, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the subject technology butmerely as illustrating different examples and aspects of the subjecttechnology. It should be appreciated that the scope of the subjecttechnology includes other embodiments not discussed in detail above.Various other modifications, changes and variations may be made in thearrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus of thesubject technology disclosed herein without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Unless otherwise expressed, reference to anelement in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless explicitly stated, but rather is meant to mean “one or more.” Inaddition, it is not necessary for a device or method to address everyproblem that is solvable (or possess every advantage that is achievable)by different embodiments of the disclosure in order to be encompassedwithin the scope of the disclosure. The use herein of “can” andderivatives thereof shall be understood in the sense of “possibly” or“optionally” as opposed to an affirmative capability.

What is claimed is:
 1. A check valve, comprising: an upper housinghaving an inlet of the check valve; a lower housing having an outlet ofthe check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper and lower housings,wherein the valve portion defines an internal cavity; a passagewayextending between the inlet and outlet; a valve member arranged in thevalve portion to selectively permit fluid to flow through the checkvalve; a pedestal coupled to an internal sidewall of the lower housing,wherein the pedestal extends into the internal cavity and the pedestalsupports the valve member; and at least one channel defined between theinternal sidewall and the pedestal, wherein the at least one channel isin fluid communication with the passageway.
 2. The check valve of claim1, further comprising: a first filter in the upper housing to limitpassage of undesirable matter in fluid flowing through the check valve,the first filter extending axially and radially in the valve portion. 3.The check valve of claim 2, further comprising: a second filter arrangedin the passageway to limit passage of undesirable matter in fluidflowing through the check valve, wherein the first filter and the secondfilter are arranged axially opposite each other in the passageway andincluding the valve member therebetween.
 4. The check valve of claim 3,wherein the second filter includes an array of vertical structuresarranged about the passageway and extending axially and radially in thevalve portion, the second filter configured to limit passage ofundesirable matter in the fluid.
 5. The check valve of claim 1, whereinthe upper housing includes a projection disposed in a circular mannerabout the passageway in the valve portion, a sealing surface is definedat a distal end of the projection, and a gap is defined between thesealing surface and the valve member, the gap limiting passage ofundesirable matter.
 6. The check valve of claim 5, wherein theprojection includes an upstream sidewall and downstream sidewall,wherein a slope of the upstream sidewall is less than a slope of thedownstream sidewall.
 7. The check valve of claim 1, wherein the upperhousing defines an opening in fluid communication with the valveportion, and the valve member includes a first end coupled to the lowerhousing and the upper housing, and a second end opposite the first endand occluding the opening.
 8. The check valve of claim 7, wherein thefirst end is stationary.
 9. The check valve of claim 7, wherein thelower housing defines a flow channel in fluid communication with thepassageway and the valve portion.
 10. The check valve of claim 7,wherein a first filter is arranged about the opening.
 11. The checkvalve of claim 1, wherein the lower housing includes a plurality ofaxially and radially extending projections in the valve portion, and aflow channel is defined between adjacent projections, the flow channelbeing in fluid communication with the passageway and the valve portion.12. The check valve of claim 11, wherein the upper housing and the lowerhousing co-operatively define an internal cavity in the valve portion,and a radially outermost portion of the internal cavity defines alodging space, the lodging space being radially adjacent the projectionsand configured to retain undesirable matter in fluid.
 13. The checkvalve of claim 11, wherein the plurality of axially and radiallyextending projections are arranged about the passageway.
 14. A checkvalve, comprising: an upper housing having an inlet of the check valve;a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and having anoutlet of the check valve; a valve portion cooperatively formed by theupper and lower housings, wherein the valve portion defines an internalcavity; a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet; a valvemember positioned in the valve portion to selectively permit fluid toflow through the check valve; a pedestal coupled to an internal sidewallof the lower housing, wherein the pedestal extends into the internalcavity and the pedestal supports the valve member; and a plurality ofchannels defined between the internal sidewall and the pedestal, whereinthe plurality of channels is in fluid communication with the passageway.15. The check valve of claim 14, wherein an internal surface of theupper housing in the valve portion includes an axially extendingprojection disposed in a circular manner about the passageway in thevalve portion, and a sealing surface is defined at a distal end of theprojection, wherein the valve member is configured to contact thesealing surface to limit fluid flow across the sealing surface.
 16. Thecheck valve of claim 14, further comprising: a first filter included inthe upper housing to limit passage of undesirable matter in fluidflowing through the check valve.
 17. The check valve of claim 16,further comprising: a second filter included in the lower housing tolimit passage of undesirable matter in fluid flowing through the checkvalve.
 18. A check valve, comprising: an upper housing having an inletof the check valve; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housingand having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion cooperativelyformed by the upper and lower housings; a passageway extending betweenthe inlet and outlet, wherein the valve portion defines an internalcavity; a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectivelypermit fluid to flow through the check valve, wherein the upper housingdefines an opening in fluid communication with the valve portion,wherein the valve member is elongated and has a first end coupled to thelower housing and the upper housing, and a second opposite end occludingthe opening; a pedestal coupled to an internal sidewall of the lowerhousing, wherein the pedestal extends into the internal cavity and thepedestal supports the valve member; and at least one channel definedbetween the internal sidewall and the pedestal, wherein the at least onechannel is in fluid communication with the passageway.
 19. The checkvalve of claim 18, wherein an internal surface of the lower housing inthe valve portion defines a flow passage in fluid communication with thevalve portion and the passageway.
 20. The check valve of claim 18,further comprising: a filter arranged about the opening, the filterincluding a plurality of vertical structures at least partially disposedin the passageway.